In the tragic end of West Side Story, Chino shoots Maria’s beloved Tony. And Maria tearfully and vehemently declares “All of you! You all killed him! And my brother, and Riff. Not with bullets, or guns, with but with hate. Well now I can kill, too, because now I have hate!”

“Once the council members heard these words, they were enraged and began to grind their teeth at Stephen.”

“But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him.” (Acts 7:54,57)

Angry White men storm state capitols some armed with rifles, few wearing cace coverings.

A young Black man taking a daily jog was pursued and shot by White vigilantes who have yet to be arrested.

Police in NYC punched a Black man in the face for not practicing social distancing (and other police officers handed out masks to White people).

What generates such rage that people bring out the guns, stones, or nooses literally or figuratively?

Is it a sense of entitlement?

Fear of losing a way of life?An inability to control a situation?

How do I respond when I am threatened with losing a way of life that has been largely protected by privilege?
How can I possibly have a new vision for what is possible if I am trapped in my own fear and rage?
How do I resist giving in to the worst parts of myself?

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Keep me focused on your glory.

How do I speak truth to power and express anger that reflects a right relationship with God and neighbor to stand up to continued injustice and calls out systems of White Supremacy?

John Wesley’s three rules for Christian living were
Do Good
Do No Harm
Stay in love with God

I keep finding myself asking what is the right thing to do.
So often lately I’m faced with decisions that can’t do any real good and have the potential to cause harm.
What do I do when the first two rules are out of my control and all that’s left is the 3rd,
stay in love with God?
Stay in Love With God.
STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD!

What new vision is possible when I surrender myself . . .
my will, my rage, my anguish?
When I break myself wide open in vulnerability?

In the words of the Psalmist (31:16), I pray
Let your face shine upon your servant;
Save me in your steadfast love.

Reflection Inspired By Acts 7:54-60